Morocco's great dynasties in a few minutes
The monuments you visit in Morocco tell twelve centuries of history. Here are the dynasties to know, and where to see their legacy.
The Idrisids (8th-10th century)
Idris I founded the first Moroccan state in 788. Fez was founded in this period and became a great religious and learning centre, home to the Qarawiyyin mosque.
The Almoravids (11th-12th century)
Coming from the Sahara, they founded Marrakech around 1070 and extended their empire into Andalusia.
The Almohads (12th-13th century)
They built the Koutoubia in Marrakech and the Hassan Tower in Rabat, unfinished yet still impressive.
The Marinids (13th-15th century)
They embellished Fez: the Bou Inania and Attarine madrasas are fine examples.
The Saadians (16th century)
They won the Battle of the Three Kings in 1578. Their tombs in Marrakech hold some of the finest decoration in the country.
The Alaouites (since the 17th century)
The current dynasty. Sultan Moulay Ismail made Meknes his capital and built the Bab Mansour gate and the royal granaries there.
See it all in one trip
Fez, Meknes, Rabat and Marrakech cover the essentials. Discover our Imperial North tour and our article on Fez, Meknes and Volubilis.
